Presentation of the findings of BSI in Warsaw

On 25 November, the European Forest Institute presented the findings of Białowieża Science Initiative to the Polish audience. The event was organised together with the Geobotanical Station of University of Warsaw and Polish Forest Research Institute and took place at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw. 

The Białowieża Science Initiative (BSI) was initiated and organised by European Forest Institute to collect the available scientific evidence on the current and future situation of the Białowieża Forest in Poland, and to draw conclusions for other forests in Europe facing similar challenges. BSI gathered more than 20 scientists representing different disciplines and viewpoints. The event in Warsaw was the second event of this kind (the first event took place in May in Brussels).

Ewa Hermanowicz and Agata Konczal from EFI explained the motivation and goals of BSI as well as its main results, followed by a panel discussion on forest conservation and management in protected areas in Poland and Europe. The panellists were nine participants of BSI, representing various disciplines and perspectives on forest management and nature protection (Jacek Hilszczański, Jan Holeksa, Bogdan Jaroszewicz, Grzegorz Mikusiński, Krzysztof Niedziałkowski, Krzysztof Stereńczak, Jerzy Szwagrzyk, Zbigniew Witkowski, Rafał Zapłata). The audience included various groups of stakeholders interested in forest management: state foresters, representatives of the ministry of environment, scientists and researchers, NGOs and media. There was a vivid discussion and many questions during the plenary session as well as interesting conversations over lunch. The event got a broad coverage in national media (press and TV).

For more information, please contact Agata Konczal

Agenda PL

Agenda ENG

Policy Brief PL 

Policy Brief_ENG

Introduction of BSI and the main findings

Related media coverage:

Naukowcy zgodni, że Puszczę Białowieską trzeba chronić; wskazują odmienne metody Polska Agencja Prasowa 

Nie ma zgody co do puszczy. Jedni chcą dzikiego lasu, inni potrzebują drewna na opał   Gazeta Wyborcza 

Puszczę Białowieską trzeba chronić W Meritum 


Ewa Hermanowicz presenting the idea and goals of BSI;

Grzegorz Mikusinski (SLU) during the plenary discussion